RSL, Colorado both sign European wingers

Real Salt Lake finally has signed Dutch winger Rachid El Khalifi. The 30-year-old signed a three-year deal with the club to finally seal a union several months in the making.

El Khalifi trained in preseason with RSL, but only now is leaving the Dutch second division to join Major League Soccer.

"We liked Rachid in preseason and he fit in well with our group, but we weren't sure he was the perfect match as a tucked in midfielder in a diamond system," explained Real Salt Lake general manager Garth Lagerwey in a statement. "With our switch to a 4-3-3 formation we needed wide players, and Rachid has played in this system his entire career. Adding him for our stretch run gives us a reliable, committed, and veteran player who has excelled in big games."

The right-footed winger has spent all 10 years of his career in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, scoring 33 goals in 260 appearances. Most recently, he was with SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden.

El Khalifi will take up an international roster spot and will be available against the Chicago Fire on Aug. 1.

The Colorado Rapids have signed Jamie Smith and waived Terry Cooke.

Cooke, a 32-year-old Englishman, played 106 games for Colorado, notching four goals and 34 assists. However, the winger didn't seem to fit into coach Gary Smith's plans for the team.

Replacing his spot on the roster is Scottish winger Jamie Smith. The 28-year-old has featured for Celtic FC and, most recently, Aberdeen FC, and has two caps for Scotland. --Goal.com

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